LOS ANGELES >> It was the last tango for David Arquette.

The 40-year-old actor was dismissed Tuesday from “Dancing With the Stars.” 

“This whole thing has been incredible. I’ve loved it,” he said after learning he’d be leaving. “I came here to get to know more about myself, face my fears, entertain people, (give) America a chance to get to know me better and learn how to dance.”

Host Tom Bergeron said, “You’ve achieved all those goals.”

Arquette earned 47 points out of 60 for his two dances on Monday’s episode: A cha-cha that impressed the judges and a team tango that didn’t.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said Arquette’s cha-cha showed growth.

“Your improvement is phenomenal,” she said.

But the team dance failed to come together. Judge Len Goodman said the bulk of the routine “was a disaster.” 

Arquette finished three points ahead of last-place dancer Nancy Grace, who relied on her fans to keep her in the contest.

She will return to dance again, along with Ricki Lake, J.R. Martinez, Rob Kardashian and Hope Solo.

Judges’ scores are combined with viewer votes to determine which celebrity contestant is ousted each week. 

Justin Bieber also appeared on Tuesday’s episode, where he performed his song “Never Say Never” and unveiled a track from his new Christmas album, “Under the Mistletoe.” The teen star sang “Fa La La” with Boyz II Men.

Lake came into the episode in first place, performing two paso dobles: One with partner Derek Hough and another with her team that included Solo and Kardashian. 

Judge Bruno Tonioli described the group routine as “powerful, moving and dramatic” and called Lake’s dance with her partner “another incredible performance.” She earned 27 points for her dance with Hough and 26 points for the team routine for a total of 53 out of 60. 

Kardashian finished in second place with 51 points, turning in a tango to the “Addams Family” theme song that one judge called “your best dance so far.” After the show, he said his thoughts are with his sister Kim, who filed for divorce Monday after 10 weeks of marriage to basketball player Kris Humphries. 

Solo finished in third place with 50 points.

Martinez, who has tied Lake for first place in previous weeks and held the top spot when she hasn’t, finished fourth Monday. Before Tuesday’s episode, the Tournament of Roses announced Martinez would serve as Grand Marshal for its 123rd annual parade.

Arquette joins previously eliminated contestants Chaz Bono, Carson Kressley, Chynna Phillips, Kristin Cavallari, Elisabetta Canalis and Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest. All are expected to return for the show’s season finale later this month.

——— 

Online: 

http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars